Xenophobic attacks in South Africa spark outrage as NLC demands protection for African migrants, prosecution of attackers, and workers’ unity.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has strongly condemned the rising wave of xenophobic attacks in South Africa, calling on labour unions and government authorities in the country to take urgent steps to protect African migrants and prevent further violence.
The labour union made its position known in a strongly worded letter addressed to the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU), where it expressed deep concern over repeated incidents of violence targeting Nigerians and other African nationals living and working in South Africa.
According to the NLC, the recent xenophobic attacks have led to the deaths of several African migrants, destruction of businesses, and growing fear among foreign workers who depend on South Africa for survival and economic opportunities.
The letter, signed by NLC President, Joe Ajaero, described the attacks as a dangerous development capable of threatening the unity of African workers and weakening the spirit of solidarity that has existed among labour movements across the continent for decades.
The NLC stated that African migrants were being targeted not because they committed crimes, but simply because they are foreigners trying to build better lives in another African country.
The Congress noted that the situation had become alarming and required immediate intervention from both labour leaders and the South African government.
Speaking on the recurring violence, the union said the continued xenophobic attacks were painful to watch, especially considering the historical relationship between African nations during the anti-apartheid struggle.
The Congress recalled that many African countries, including Nigeria, stood firmly behind South Africans during the years of apartheid and oppression.
The labour movement argued that the current hostility against migrants contradicts the ideals of African unity, freedom, and collective progress championed by past leaders and activists across the continent.
The NLC further lamented the destruction of shops, businesses, and livelihoods belonging to African migrants.
According to the union, many affected individuals spent years building their businesses through hard work, only to lose everything during violent protests and attacks.
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It added that the pattern of xenophobic attacks has continued to create tension among African communities living in South Africa while also damaging the country’s image internationally.
While acknowledging that South Africa is facing serious economic difficulties, including unemployment, rising living costs, and poor access to social amenities, the NLC insisted that migrants should not be blamed for the country’s challenges.
The Congress argued that economic hardship, inequality, and failed economic policies are major contributors to public frustration, but warned against allowing ordinary workers to turn against one another.
According to the NLC, the real struggle should be against poverty, unemployment, and policies that continue to widen the gap between the rich and poor across Africa.
The labour body therefore called on COSATU to openly reject xenophobic attacks and mobilise workers across South Africa to promote unity, peace, and coexistence among Africans regardless of nationality.
The Congress also accused security agencies in South Africa of not doing enough to stop the violence.
It claimed that slow responses and weak enforcement have encouraged perpetrators to continue attacking migrants without fear of punishment.
As part of its demands, the NLC urged South African authorities to ensure the immediate arrest and prosecution of all individuals involved in the attacks.
It also called for compensation for victims who lost family members, properties, or means of livelihood during the violence.
The union stressed that justice must be served to discourage future attacks and restore confidence among migrant communities living in the country.
Beyond South Africa, the NLC called for a continental response through labour organisations such as the International Trade Union Confederation Africa and the Organisation of African Trade Union Unity.
According to the Congress, xenophobic attacks must not be allowed to spread across Africa, warning that silence from labour unions and governments could worsen tensions among African nations.
The NLC concluded by reaffirming that African workers share a common struggle regardless of nationality, language, or passport.
It maintained that unity among workers remains essential in the fight against inequality, poverty, and injustice across the continent.
The Congress warned that if xenophobic attacks are not urgently addressed, they could undermine decades of efforts aimed at promoting African solidarity, cooperation, and economic integration.
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